One thing they stand for...the national anthem.
Which means what?
The Anthem is symbolism of Nationalism. Do they stand for Nationalism? Probably, like the wall, doesn't do anything, it just stands for them wasting money on simple symbolism.
How much money did the Dept of Defense waste on the NFL to promote such Nationalism?
What's wrong with being proud of your country? What's wrong with having symbolic things that we do together to remember that we have a common set of values? Everyone wants to fight about all the middle ground as if we were enemies but some of us who have seen some crappier places in the world realize that it is an honor and a privilege to live in a country that holds the collective values that we hold (in spite of disagreements on issues). Without pride in our country who will serve in our military? Gotta realize the world is a rough place and unless you're a tough guy you end up subservient to another tough guy. American values are good so we should be proud and be tough so we can stand down the rest of the kleptocratic bullies who lead so many other countries and REALLY don't care about their citizens.
I didn't say there was anything wrong with being proud of your country. What is wrong is when people try and force patriotism on to you, tell you that patriotism is being proud of the bits they like and not the bits you like. All of that crap.
Nothing wrong with symbolism either. HOWEVER if you have symbolism you have to accept that it will represent the GOOD and the BAD. Now, many on the right are trying to force people not to see the bad stuff and associate it with the symbols.
The Christian Church dealt with this by shouting "blasphemy" at anyone they couldn't control in this manner.
Now the right is shouting "you're not patriotic" at them.
Same shit.
Yes, without patriotism who would go abroad to risk their life so that rich Americans can get richer over your dead body? I understand what Nationalism and Patriotism is used for. And there are MANY reasons why it needs to be attacked and brought back to reality.